Noank Village Boatyard Engagement | Nina & Russell

Because when I’m with you, the weight of the world seems less and the quiet moments in your arms are the ones I dream of when we become husband and wife.  It’s you and only you I want right by my side as the days turn into nights and months into years.  It’s with you and only you I choose forever.  They chose each other to walk through life together, laughing and holding hands.  And in each other’s arms is exactly where life just makes sense.  Nina and Russell’s love story is one of magical timing and knowing their paths were meant to cross in that very moment.

They laugh about how many social events they attended for mutual friends not even knowing the other existed.  Well, Russell definitely noticed Nina but you know what they say about timing?  It’s everything!  So after years of being at the same functions and never crossing paths, Nina hesitantly decided to go to an event where Russell happened to be and it was THE night their stars finally aligned.  The next day, Russell convinced Nina into going out with a group of friends and they hit it off right away.  Nina caught Russell’s eye from the beginning and through a little perseverance, it wasn't long before Nina realized the genuine, charming, funny guy Russell was.  Or maybe, just maybe, it was their first date at a local restaurant followed by the romantic performance by Louis C.K. where Nina knew Russell was right for her :).  

Russell proposed to Nina in the living room of their house.  Nina had just gotten home from a long day at work and walked in to find the living room completely transformed into a beautiful fairy tale with candles and roses scattered throughout.  They enjoyed a quiet night together toasting with champagne and calling their friends and family to share their exciting news!  

Back in December when we shot their Holiday Portrait Session to announce their engagement, it was freezing outside!  This time, it was the most gorgeous, picturesque spring night.  The Noank Village Boatyard, in Groton, CT was the perfect location for their engagement session.  This very special place of meaning was where Nina’s parents once docked their boat and all her childhood memories are at this boatyard and around this small New England town.  It is her place of peace and comfort.  The weathered boards on these docks hold so many fond memories of summertime cookouts and endless nights out on the water. And now, the same boards hold new, beautiful memories as Nina and Russell danced across them as the sun was setting.

Their love is pure, their hearts are gold, and most importantly they bring out the best in each other.  Nina’s classic, timeless beauty and Russell’s laid-back, dapper style was the perfect combination for such a fun session, not to mention their beautiful chemistry!  We ended the night toasting to their future and I held back my tears as I thought about their story and the happiness that awaits them in the months and years ahead. 

Nina & Russell- it has been such an honor to share in this special time with you both.  Cheers to creating many more beautiful memories together for you to treasure forever.  The best has yet to come my sweet friends!

Here are some of my favorites from their session!

xoxo,

anne

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 Anne is a Connecticut based natural light photographer specializing in family, children, and engagement portrait photography.  To learn more about booking your portrait session, please contact Anne at annemariephotographyct@gmail.com

A Mother's Day Wish

I have the privilege of photographing and knowing so many incredible mothers who constantly show me how precious the gift of motherhood truly is.  It goes beyond any word I could ever write, any thought I could ever speak or any emotion I could ever feel.  Motherhood for every woman is different, the stories you share have a common thread intricately woven between you and yet your personal journey and experiences are unlike anyone else’s.  

What makes motherhood so beautiful is the unconditional love and devotion you unselfishly give to your families.  The sleepless nights, the late nights spent soothing and calming because your little one had a nightmare or is sick, the daily juggling of schedules, the multiple hats you wear during the day and at night...the list goes on and on!  I admire each and every one of you who give yourself every day to provide, protect, nurture, and love wholeheartedly.

Especially wishing a very Happy Mother’s Day to my loving mother, mother-in-law, Nana, sister, sister-in-law, aunts, cousins, and dearest friends!   

Sealed with a big hug and thank you…this is my Mother’s Day wish for all you fabulous moms!  Happy Mother’s Day!

I wish that your day is all about YOU, showering you with love, kisses, and hugs.  all.  day.  long.

I wish that your day allows you a chance to unwind, be pampered, and relax.

I wish that the breakfast in bed your child makes for you is a reminder that they learned how cook because of you.

I wish that the picture they draw for you is a reminder of how you nurture their talents and encourage them to develop their individual creativity.

I wish that when your child brings you flowers that it reminds you that they are considerate and thoughtful because of you and your daily actions.

I wish that the card you receive warms your heart knowing they hand-selected it because it made them think of you.

I wish for you to be celebrated and honored even if you are not able to spend the day with your children.  You are the reason they believe in their dreams.

I wish for your Mother’s Day to be a day to reflect and allow yourself to be proud of all you do every day.  Give yourself permission to be spoiled. 

Thank you moms!

xoxo,
anne

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 Anne is a Connecticut based natural light photographer specializing in family, children, and engagement portrait photography.  To learn more about booking your portrait session, please contact Anne at annemariephotographyct@gmail.com

Hello May | A Personal Note

And just like that, April has come and gone!  Man, doesn't Easter feel like it was MONTHS ago!? Crazy, right?

April was an incredible month with launching my Anne Marie Photography Facebook page, meeting new, amazing, local photographers, working on exciting side projects, and the memories that were created with my incredible families and couples.        

I feel like we've been patiently waiting for May to arrive to bring us much needed sunshine, warm air, and a sense of feeling alive again after the winter we just had.  All winter long, I had been preparing, wishing, and waiting for April to come and now it came and went just. like. that!  It was a rush, the kind of rush you feel before a big game or a major race.  Your adrenaline pumping as you mentally prepare yourself to successfully get through each task at hand.  

And guess what?  You did it, right?  

I have been looking forward to May just as much as I looked forward to April with family sessions, new opportunities, and beautiful new memories to make with friends and families.  I’m excited for what May will bring, both the planned and unplanned moments.  I certainly don't want to wish the month away but am especially excited, in the giddy kind of way, for an exciting experience I have at the end of the month for my business.  I can't wait to share more as we get closer.

So to honor the new month, I woke up this morning and played "go fish" with my inspirational quotes and THIS is the one that I chose!  I smiled, took it as a sign, and thought about what it meant for me to see this now, after a month I'd been anticipating, preparing for and waiting to come for SO long.  I realized today that I do a lot of thinking in the past and future but don't always allow myself to stop and think about now.  So tonight, I'm giving myself permission to take a minute to reflect on where I am right now.  Not yesterday, not tomorrow, but today.  

I'd love for you to join me in this quick reflection.  I know YOU deserve it!

Happy May friends!

xoxo

anne

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 Anne is a Connecticut based natural light photographer specializing in family, children, and engagement portrait photography.  To learn more about booking your portrait session, please contact Anne at annemariephotographyct@gmail.com

First Year | A Family Portrait Collection

Recently I had the honor of photographing this loving family on the most beautiful April day that we've had yet!   The sun was shining and spring was FINALLY in the air!  I couldn't think of a better way to kick off my season than spending this quiet morning together at their lovely home which was the perfect location for their session.

This little guy just celebrated his first birthday and when his mother contacted me she really wanted to honor this milestone with photographs of their family together to celebrate this important year of joy, change, love, and sheer happiness. 

I loved meeting this adorable, blue-eyed cutie and had the best time watching his parents; Andy and Jessica stare at him with complete admiration and pride.  My heart melted into a million tiny pieces over and over again seeing where his curiosity would take him.  Playing with his parents faces and kissing their noses, it was all so sweet!  

There is so much love between this family, the way Andy looks at Jessica, the way she looks at him, the way they look at their sweet son.  It was such a beautiful way to celebrate a memorable year of parenthood, together as a family!  This little love entered my heart with his gentle soul, darling smile, and beautiful blue eyes!  

Here are some of my favorites from their session!
xoxo

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 Anne is a Connecticut based natural light photographer specializing in family, children, and engagement portrait photography.  To learn more about booking your portrait session, please contact Anne at annemariephotographyct@gmail.com or visit her Facebook page Anne Marie Photography.

   

A Thank You Note

One of the many life lessons my Papa taught me was the value of writing and sending a thank you note.  I remember after we would open our Christmas gifts, we would run up to him and my Nana to thank them and he would always smile while reminding us that a thank you note should follow.  He  always made a point to say it because it was one of those little things that mattered.  It always seemed like such a chore to sit down with my pencil and ruler in hand and write them.  I probably even still have some older notes that I started but never finished.  Today, I actually really enjoy sitting down and writing thank you notes.  I love knowing someone will receive a hand-written note so they’ll know what they did mattered and was appreciated. 

With the launch of my Anne Marie Photography Facebook page last week, I really couldn't wait to say thank you.  The outpouring of support and love from you all has been mind-blowing.  I thank you for your “likes”, your comments, your shares, your texts, emails, messages, and love.  To my mentors, Ashley Therese Photography and Julie Morawski Photography, you were there by my side and I am grateful to you both for your help, support, and advice!  To my dearest friends, family, fellow photographers, and husband…thank you for your continued words of encouragement and guidance!    

We all need our supporters, our community, and our believers.  We all need people to bounce ideas off of and who want to see us succeed.  I know launching a Facebook business page may seem like a tiny step but for me it is a big step, one which I am thrilled to arrive at, to be at. 

Thank you, thank you, thank you!  

xoxo,

anne

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 Anne is a Connecticut based natural light photographer specializing in family, children, and engagement portrait photography.  To learn more about booking your portrait session, please contact Anne at annemariephotographyct@gmail.com